One of the NHL's newest teams, the Columbus Blue Jackets took to the ice for the first time on October 7,2000.The team's nickname was selected from suggestions by fans.This blog is for the thousands of Columbus Bluejackets hockey fans.Post your comments about the Bluejackets and "GO Jackets"

Sunday, January 06, 2013

Mediator Scot Beckenbaugh returned to the talks last week, acting as a go-between and then eventually bringing the sides together on Saturday. With the NHLPA's disclaimer of interest and the NHL's potential drop-dead date of Jan. 11 looming, the sides finally dedicated themselves to saving the season with a marathon session. The deal was finally completed, pending ratification from the owners and players. Game on, with a shortened season expected to begin on Jan. 19 or as early as Jan. 15. John Shannon of Sportsnet reports that teams will only play within their conferences.Drop the puck. The NHL will be finally back, with a 10-year CBA solidified between union chief Donald Fehr and Commissioner Gary Bettman. As Fehr said, via Sportsnet: "Any process like this is difficult; it can be long...we have the framework of a deal."The league has drawn up schedules for a 48- or 50-game schedule, depending on how quickly the CBA is ratified. Training camps could open as soon as Wednesday, TSN reported and yahoo sports